Atascocita a winner from the beginning

Published 5:30 am, Sunday, April 15, 2007

The Atascocita Eagles might be in their first year of high school sports, but one would never know it by the results.

The Eagles, who don't have a senior on any of their athletic teams, recently advanced to the Region III-5A quarterfinals in soccer and are about to lock up a playoff berth in baseball.

"Everybody is doing a tremendous job," said Atascocita athletic coordinator Dean Colbert, who doubles as the school's head football coach. "Our girls track team placed third at the District (21-5A) meet, while Cameron LaCour qualified for regionals in the 110 hurdles."

Eric Matthews has guided the Eagles to an impressive 15-8 overall and 7-3 record in District 21-5A, including consecutive shutouts over Port Arthur Memorial (7-0) and Humble (5-0).

"Coach Matthews is doing a tremendous job," Colbert said. "They are fighting Kingwood and Beaumont West Brook (for second place behind Baytown Sterling). They are real competitive. They have a true freshman who starts. It is amazing."

Donnie Bodron, who used to be the girls soccer coach at Kingwood, led the Lady Eagles to a runner-up finish in District 21-5A behind Kingwood and a berth in the regional quarterfinals.

"Our girls soccer team was incredible," Colbert said. "They went to the regional quarterfinals before losing to Deer Park (who advanced to the state championship) We played them a heck of a game, too."

Atascocita softball coach Lori Kittrell kept the Lady Eagles in the playoff hunt until the final week of the season.

What has been the secret to all of the underclassmen's success?

"It is a combination of things," Colbert said. "Obviously, it is from the will of the kids and the coaches. That is a lot of it.

"But one of the advantages is that these (spring) teams have been around each other for a longer period of time. They were able to familiarize themselves with a lot of what Atascocita is all about — more so than the fall sports. Our gymnastics, golf and tennis programs also have done a great job."

In tennis, Kevin Moran qualified for the Region III-5A Tournament on Tuesday and Wednesday at Deer Park High School after winning the District 21-5A singles. Moran beat Kingwood's John Scherr 6-1, 6-0 in the final.

"It has been a combination of the kids involved in the sports and the coaches' expertise and knowledge," Colbert said. "It has been a lot of fun to watch."